*Nina*
I sit in the car, my mind a jumble of emotions. Nervousness and stress cling to me as we embark on our journey into town. The engine hums softly, providing a rhythmic backdrop to my racing thoughts.

Emilia glances at me, concern etching her face. "You seem quiet today, Nina. Are you sure everything is alright?"

I force a smile, masking the turmoil within. "Yeah, just a lot on my mind, you know?"

Sherry, sitting in the backseat, chimes in with her comforting voice. "We are here for you, Nina. Whatever the result and your choice is, we will support you."

As the car pulls into the parking lot of a small convenience store, my heart pounds. I step out, the weight of anticipation almost suffocating me. I reach out and grab Emilia's hand, seeking solace in her touch.

Inside the store, the scent of cleaning supplies fills the air. I navigate the aisles, my eyes scanning for the pregnancy tests. Emilia and Sherry stay close, their presence offering silent reassurance.

"Which one is better?" I ask out in the air, I had not expected there to be so many choices.

Emilia point to one, "this one has an electronic display that says pregnant or not pregnant, then you do not have to worry about lines and stuff, I would go with that one."

My hands tremble as I grab a box from the shelf. I clutch it tightly, my mind filled with doubts and fears. Will I be a capable mother? The guilt from my earlier abortion weighs heavily on me, but I keep the secret locked away, hidden from the others.

"Just go to the car with the rest of the stuff," I tell the others, grabbing my test after we have paid.

"Are you sure, sweetie?" Sherry asks.

I nod and walk towards the restrooms, I need to know, and I also do not want to risk facing Nick before I have an answer.

Alone in the store's restroom, I find myself grappling with a mix of emotions. I tear open the box, my heart pounding in my chest. As I wait for the results, my thoughts become a whirlwind. I question my own abilities, afraid of repeating past mistakes.

Finally, the test reveals its verdict. My eyes widen, my breath catching in my throat. I take a moment to absorb the news, contemplating the implications of my potential pregnancy.

I wonder how Nick will react.

Back in the car, my hands clutch the steering wheel, knuckles turning white. Emilia and Sherry exchange concerned glances, sensing my distress. Sherry reaches out, gently touching my arm.

"Nina, you know we are here for you, right? Whatever happens, we will support you."

Tears well up in my eyes as I nod, grateful for the support of my friends. In that moment, a glimmer of hope begins to emerge amidst my worries.

*Zac*
I am going over some finances when Pilar enters the room, her expression serious. "Zac, we have a problem. You need to check out social media."

I furrow my brows, intrigued and concerned, it is not like her to sound this worried. "What's going on, Pilar?"

She hands me her phone, and as I scroll through the posts and comments, my heart sinks. Margarita has been sharing content that implies I am the father of little Daniel. The online world is ablaze with assumptions and hateful comments, tarnishing my reputation, and basically calling for me to be arrested or worse.

I take a deep breath, trying to steady my emotions, blinking back the tears burning in the back of my eyes. "How could Margarita do this? Why is she hurting me like this? People are thinking the worst of me."

Pilar places a comforting hand on my arm. "I know, Zac. It's a misunderstanding, but we need to address it. Let's go through the posts together and see what she has shared, maybe some of the things just need an explanation. I don't Think she meant to create problems."

We sit side by side, analyzing Margarita's social media updates. The pictures and captions she has posted create a false narrative, fueling the rumors. I feel a mix of anger and helplessness, wondering how this situation spiraled out of control without any of us realizing.

Pilar's voice is filled with determination. "We can't let this go on, Zac. We need to find Margarita and talk to her. Maybe she doesn't realize the consequences of her actions. But she needs to stop and to tell the truth."

I nod, grateful for Pilar's support, her love and her level-headedness. "You're right. Let's go find her and set things straight."

As we make our way to Margarita's room, I wonder what to do, we can't just throw her out. I can't help but feel a surge of protectiveness for, most off all Daniel, but also for Margarita, after all she is just a big kid herself. We find her sitting on the bed, staring at her phone, her face puffy from crying.

"Margarita, we need to talk," I say, my voice firm yet compassionate.

She looks up, her eyes filled with remorse. "I'm so sorry, Zac. I never meant for it to get this bad. I just... I didn't know what else to do, People started assuming and I just... went along."

Pilar takes a seat beside her, extending empathy. "We understand that you're struggling, Margarita, but spreading false information isn't the solution. It's causing harm to Zac and to us."

Tears stream down Margarita's face as she whispers, "I didn't think it would go this far.  I hoped that..."

"Hoped what?" I ask. "That so show it would come true if enough people believed it? That I would ... be with you?"

Margarita shrugs slightly. "I... I like you, and you are so good with Daniel."

"I am also old enough to be your father, Margarita." I tell her softly. "And Pilar is my mate, I love her."

"I just wanted someone to care," Margarita sniffles.

I reach out, placing a hand on her shoulder. "We do care, Margarita. We have been caring for you and Daniel, but we need to find a better way for you to get attention, one that doesn't cause harm."

She nods slowly, and I just hope we can stop this shit-storm before it takes on a life of it's own.